Panel discussion with civil rights leader set for Juneteenth

By Christine Rogers

The Dallas Historical Society announces today its plan to honor Juneteenth all summer long, by publicly presenting from its permanent collection the official Juneteenth Order, starting on Juneteenth. While the original executive order resides in the U.S. national archives, the Dallas Historical Society’s Order No. 3 is the only remaining copy of those hand-delivered to Texas in 1865 to declare that enslaved people were free.

The historic General Order No. 3 that forever altered the course of American history will be displayed as an integral part of an immersive, rotating exhibition this summer called “Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom.” 

To further commemorate Juneteenth, the Dallas Historical Society will host “Juneteenth: A Dialogue on Change and Community”, a free-with-reservation panel discussion from 6:30-8 p.m. on June 19 at the Hall of State (3939 Grand Ave., in Fair Park.) 

The panel discussion will be moderated by Levi Davis, Dallas’ first African American assistant city manager, and will feature renowned scholar and historian Dr. Marvin Dulaney and civil rights icon Reverend Peter Johnson as panelists. Together, the three will share personal stories, historical insights and reflections on the meaning of Juneteenth, the long road to freedom, progress and the work that remains to build a more just and inclusive future. 

A separately ticketed “Pour Yourself Into History” happy hour from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. offers a first look at the Juneteenth document and exhibition, meet-and-greet with the panelists and a light reception before the panel. Individual tickets are $30. Register in advance for the free panel or purchase happy hour tickets at the website dallashistory.org/event/2025-juneteenth-panel-lecture/. 

The original Juneteenth General Order No. 3 document was bequeath1`ed to the Dallas Historical Society by G.B. Dealey, who moved to Dallas in 1885 to establish and lead The Dallas Morning News. 

“The ‘Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom’ exhibition, featuring the original Juneteenth Order, explores the historic origins of Juneteenth and the lasting impact of this Texas-born tradition, which has come to resonate across the nation,” says Karl Chiao, Dallas Historical Society executive director. “While the exhibition is presented by the Dallas Historical Society, we are proud to partner with our Fair Park neighbor, The African American Museum, on the Juneteenth celebration and accompanying public program to remember and honor this important holiday.”

“Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom” will be stationed in the Hall of State and feature two powerful components: the “Historical Track,” which includes firsthand accounts of emancipation shared by formerly enslaved individuals, and the “Celebration Track,” which invites visitors to reflect on Juneteenth by recording their own stories and sentiments. 

The exhibition opens with the Juneteenth events and closes on the last day of the State Fair of Texas, following Hall of State’s hours of operation.